Applebee’s Fiesta Lime Chicken with Spanish Rice & Pico de Gallo: Calorie Breakdown & Nutrition Facts

Are you craving that zesty, south-of-the-border flavor but worried about what it might do to your waistline? If you’re a fan of Applebee’s Fiesta Lime Chicken with Spanish Rice & Pico de Gallo, you’ve probably wondered just how many calories you’re consuming with each delicious bite. Well, I’ve done the nutritional detective work so you don’t have to!

The Calorie Countdown: What You Need to Know

Let’s cut to the chase – Applebee’s Fiesta Lime Chicken with Spanish Rice & Pico de Gallo packs approximately 1090 calories per full serving. That’s a significant chunk of the recommended daily calorie intake for most adults, which typically ranges from 1800-2500 calories depending on age, gender, and activity level.

But calories aren’t the whole story. Here’s a comprehensive breakdown of what you’re getting in this popular dish:

What’s Actually in This Dish?

Before we dive deeper into the nutritional implications, let’s understand what makes up this Tex-Mex inspired meal:

• Grilled chicken breast
• Lime sauce (typically contains mayo, lime juice, and seasonings)
• Tortilla strips (often fried)
• Melted cheese topping
• Spanish rice (rice with tomatoes and seasonings)
• Pico de gallo (fresh tomato, onion, cilantro, and jalapeño salsa)

The Good, the Bad, and the Tasty

The Good Stuff

This dish isn’t all dietary doom and gloom! Here are some nutritional bright spots:

• High Protein Content With 39g of protein this dish delivers about 78% of an average adult’s daily protein needs helping keep you full and supporting muscle maintenance.

• Vitamin Powerhouse: The pico de gallo contributes to the impressive 130% of your daily Vitamin C needs, while the dish overall provides 45% of your Vitamin A requirements.

• Mineral Content The 25% of your daily iron needs can help support healthy blood cell production

The Nutritional Challenges

Now for the less favorable news

• Hefty Sodium Content: With 2780mg of sodium, this dish contains more than the entire recommended daily limit of 2300mg for healthy adults. This is particularly concerning for those with high blood pressure or heart conditions.

• High Fat Content: The 52g of fat represents about 80% of the recommended daily fat intake for someone on a 2000-calorie diet.

• Carbohydrate Heavy: With 130g of carbs, this meal might not be the best choice for those on low-carb diets.

Working It Off: Exercise Equivalents

If you’re wondering how much exercise it would take to burn off this meal, here’s a sobering reality check:

• Swimming: 1 hour and 25 minutes
• Jogging: 1 hour and 13 minutes
• Cycling: 1 hour and 45 minutes
• Walking: 3 hours and 38 minutes

Making It Healthier: Modification Options

I love this dish but try to make it more waistline-friendly when I order. Here are some modifications you can request:

• Ask for grilled chicken without the cheese topping
• Request half the normal portion of Spanish rice
• Ask for the lime sauce on the side so you can control the amount
• Substitute steamed vegetables for part of the rice
• Skip the tortilla strips (which are often fried and add extra calories)

Half Portions: A Sensible Alternative

If you can’t resist the full flavor experience but want to cut calories, consider ordering a half portion (if available) or sharing with a friend. A half portion would provide approximately 540 calories, which is much more reasonable for a single meal.

How Does It Compare to Other Applebee’s Options?

Wondering how this dish stacks up against other Applebee’s menu items? Here’s a quick comparison:

• Fiesta Lime Chicken w/ Spanish Rice & Pico de Gallo: 1090 calories
• Bourbon Street Chicken & Shrimp: 620 calories
• Grilled Chicken Breast: 190 calories
• Classic Cheeseburger & Fries: 1350 calories

Healthier Alternatives at Applebee’s

If you’re watching your calorie intake but still want to enjoy a meal at Applebee’s, consider these more nutritious options:

• Grilled Chicken Breast (190 calories) with steamed broccoli
• Items from their “Under 550 Calories” menu section
• Southwest Chicken Salad (without the fried tortilla strips)
• Sirloin Steak with a side of vegetables instead of potato

The Verdict: Occasional Indulgence or Regular No-No?

So, is Applebee’s Fiesta Lime Chicken with Spanish Rice & Pico de Gallo healthy? The short answer is no – not as a regular menu choice if you’re watching your weight or have concerns about sodium intake or cardiovascular health.

However, this doesn’t mean you need to banish it from your life entirely! As an occasional treat, it can certainly fit into an otherwise balanced diet. The key word here is “occasional.”

We all need to indulge sometimes, and understanding the nutritional impact helps us make informed decisions about how often to enjoy dishes like this and what modifications might make them more compatible with our health goals.

FAQs About Applebee’s Fiesta Lime Chicken

Is this dish good for weight loss?

With 1090 calories per serving, this dish is not ideal for those trying to lose weight unless significant modifications are made or it’s consumed very occasionally within a calorie-controlled diet.

How much sodium is in this dish?

The dish contains approximately 2780mg of sodium, which exceeds the recommended daily limit for healthy adults.

Can I make this dish healthier at home?

Absolutely! A homemade version could cut calories significantly by:

• Using less oil in cooking
• Reducing cheese quantities
• Using brown rice instead of Spanish rice
• Controlling sauce ingredients and portions

Is this dish gluten-free?

The standard menu item at Applebee’s is not guaranteed gluten-free. Always check with the restaurant about allergens and preparation methods if you have dietary restrictions.

What are the main sources of calories in this dish?

The primary calorie sources are:

• The cheese topping
• The lime sauce (which typically contains mayonnaise)
• The Spanish rice
• Oils used in preparation
• The tortilla strips

Bottom Line

Applebee’s Fiesta Lime Chicken with Spanish Rice & Pico de Gallo is a flavorful dish that packs a significant caloric punch. At 1090 calories with high fat and sodium content, it’s best enjoyed as an occasional treat rather than a dietary staple.

If you’re craving these flavors but watching your nutrition, consider trying some of the modifications we’ve suggested or attempt a healthier homemade version where you can control the ingredients.

Remember, no single meal defines your overall diet – it’s about balance over time. So if you do indulge in this Tex-Mex favorite, perhaps balance it with lighter, veggie-packed meals for the rest of the day!

Have you tried this dish at Applebee’s? What modifications do you make to your restaurant favorites to make them healthier? We’d love to hear your experiences in the comments!